Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain that get worse over time. It is the loss of the ability to think, remember, and reason to levels that affect daily life and activities. Different types of dementia can share similar symptoms — and a person can have more than one type of dementia — so making an accurate diagnosis can be difficult.
In order to diagnose dementia, your primary care doctor may complete a medical history, a physical exam, and neurological tests. In addition, a doctor may order brain scans, blood tests, genetic tests, and/or a mental health evaluation.
Learn more about the tests available to help diagnose dementia.
Last Updated on September 15, 2022
